19th November, 2013
Jethro Ibileke/Benin
The crisis in late Professor Omo Omoruyi’s family over burial procedures has been resolved to pave way for his burial this weekend.
The crisis which had delayed an official condolence visit by Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo state to the family, was resolved by the Benin monarch, Oba Erediauwa, who brokered peace among the Omoruyis.
Three of his children and brothers were all at the palace to brief the Oba about the burial arrangement which will commence Thursday, 21 November.
It was reliably gathered that the family had resolved all the contending issues, following which a burial committee was set up to ensure a befitting burial for the late Omoruyi who died on 14 October.
The Esogban of Benin, Chief David Edebiri, who is related to the late Prof.Omoruyi, led other members of the family to the palace today.
Briefing journalists after the peace meeting, Chief Edebiri said: “Our brother Professor Was a great man both in Benin Kingdom and the world as a whole, so there is no way that kind of person will be buried without informing our Royal Father. The Oba has to give his blessings before the burial which he has given to the family now.”
On the earlier disagreement among family members as regards to the burial arrangement, Chief Edebiri said that “there is no problem at all, the major thing is that he will be buried this weekend. And all arrangements have been made to give him a befitting burial. You can see that the children, brothers were all at the palace to see the Oba, that tells you that everybody is united.”
A burial programme released by the family today indicated that the burial starts on Thursday with a service of songs, interment on Friday and outing service on Sunday.